Instructions
1. Marinate the Beef:
In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with the soy sauce, rice vinegar, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sugar.
Toss until the beef is evenly coated. Let it marinate for 15-20 minutes at room temperature.
2. Prepare the Ingredients:
While the beef marinates, slice the onion and bell peppers. Mince the garlic and ginger.
In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch into the 1/2 cup of water to create a smooth slurry. Set aside.
3. Cook the Beef:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the marinated beef in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary to avoid steaming) and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until just browned. The beef will finish cooking later.
Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the same pan.
Add the sliced onion, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are fragrant and tender-crisp.
5. Combine and Thicken the Sauce:
Return the cooked beef and any accumulated juices to the pan with the vegetables.
Give the cornstarch slurry a quick stir (as it may have settled) and then pour it into the pan.
Stir everything together and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened and glossy, coating the beef and vegetables evenly.
6. Final Seasoning and Serve:
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Serve immediately over a bed of steamed rice or noodles.
Tips for Success
Slicing the Beef: For the most tender results, slice the beef thinly against the grain. Partially freezing the beef for 30-60 minutes first makes this much easier.
High Heat is Key: Stir-frying over medium-high to high heat ensures the beef sears quickly and the vegetables stay crisp.
Don’t Overcook the Beef: The initial browning of the beef is just to cook the outside; it will be finished in the sauce. This prevents it from becoming tough.
Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like sliced mushrooms or broccoli florets for extra variety.
